Real Illusion extended his win streak to three on Saturday night (March 19) as the six-year-old pacer handled the step up into the $13,000 Winners Over at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
The James Siegelman trainee prevailed in his local debut on March 5 while competing in a $12,500 claiming race. Last week, Real Illusion stepped up in company and again went wire-to-wire with Austin Siegelman in the sulky. On Saturday night, the razor sharp pacer made his debut in the $13,000 feature and again powered out to the early lead.
After posting fractions of :26.2 and :55.1 in the first half, Real Illusion had enough to hold off the late challenge from Someplace Special (Mark Beckwith) to win the 1-1/16 mile event in 1:59.2. Someplace Special was a close second to the race’s even-money betting favourite while longshot RU Ready To Rock (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) earned the show spot.
For Real Illusion, the victory was his fourth of the season and third in his three local tries. The Real Desire gelding is owned by Alex Pollenz and Mel Colchamiro.
Billy Dobson was the Saturday evening sulky star at the Spa as he piloted five winners on the card.
(With files from Saratoga Raceway)